We just couldn't help ourselves, it had to be done. We've already seen how this side of the Atlantic reacted to the fantastic American commentary on the USA vs. the All Blacks, but now it's the important stuff. How did an American audience react to seeing rugby on network television?
With the game played in front of a sold out Soldier Field in Chicago and beamed to millions across the country on NBC, this was without doubt the most attention the USA team has ever been given. Unfortunately, that didn't exactly inspire the Eagles as they went down to a 74-6 defeat, but nevertheless, it has certainly opened the game to a new audience.
Thanks to twitter we have a first hand insight into how a section of that audience viewed the game. Some of it was positive, some of it less so, but to the already converted, it's certainly an entertaining insight.
We particularly enjoyed James Thrasher's (great name) "just when I think I've figured it out, a bunch of dudes start rolling on the ground".
2 minutes into this Rugby match on @NBCSports and have decided this may be the toughest sport there is. #nopads
— Walter U. Bolton III (@wubolton) November 1, 2014
Want to feel less masculine? Turn on the All Blacks on NBC #Rugby
— Kris Jones (@RavenManiac) November 1, 2014
Watching this rugby game on NBC, and just when I think I've figured it out, a bunch of dudes start rolling on the ground.
— James Thrasher (@jthrashr) November 1, 2014
Rugby on NBC is reminding me how lame the NFL can be.
— Jim Janek (@JimJanek) November 1, 2014
Nbc point out how much bigger the rugby pitch is than a football field just supporting my theory on how much better rugby is than football
— Sarah (@sawcatsims) November 1, 2014
NBC has a rugby match on right now. Is there a better way for a network to say "we give up"?
— Jason Grissom (@ofallonjg) November 1, 2014
I'm watching Rugby on NBC and I'm thinking NFL coaches getting ideas to start recruiting Rugby players to be Running Backs.
— Jossell Araiza (@UltimateIntense) November 1, 2014
"In New Zealand... kids don't play rugby in boots/cleats until their teens..." lol #USAvAllBlacks #NBC @AllBlacks #USAEagles
— Donald BigDON Mhlaba (@BigDON23Skrony) November 1, 2014
Seriously, the American announcers are ruining the game of rugby. Chill the fuck out! #Rugby @NBC @NBCSports
— Prescott Perez-Fox (@scottperezfox) November 1, 2014
Meanwhile, the USA-New Zealand rugby match on NBC just featured a national ad for Russian mail-order brides.
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 1, 2014
Um, Russian mail-order bride ad on NBC during this rugby game. So there IS a sport less-prestigious in the US than hockey?
— Tofurducken (@WindingDot) November 1, 2014
Football players have NOTHING on Rugby. Turn on NBC and watch something truly incredible. Rugby is nuts!!!!!
— #PanikAtTheFrisco (@jedijared182) November 1, 2014
Switching channels between GT-Virginia game and the rugby game on NBC. Makes you realize how intense rugby is.
— Cody Reynolds (@Cody_Reynolds22) November 1, 2014
If USA rugby had a pro league they'd easily be one of the best in the world as well. So much potential.
— Arinona I. (@nonziez) November 1, 2014
NBC has given up commentating the game & are now talking about @AllBlacks players not eating deep dish pizza.
— Kat Arnett (@katarnett) November 1, 2014
